The Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy

The Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy (KRTC) is converting former rail lines into non-motorized public trails and wildlife areas across Kansas.  We are a grassroots, non-profit organization of local volunteers.  The Landon Nature Trail and the Flint Hills Nature Trail represent KRTC's most ambitious and successful developments, with now over 150 miles of trails nearly completed.

What we do.
We are volunteers using donations and grants to convert these out-of-service rail corridors into non-motorized trails for public use. We are developing former Missouri Pacific Railroad lines. Known affectionately as the "Mo-Pac", this line is over 125 years old and figured prominently in the development of Kansas. We are developing connections and partnerships wherever possible. The City of Topeka has leased the trail within their city limits and are developing it in stages as part of their extensive trail system. We are part of a nationwide system of rail trails comprising many thousands of miles in trails for public use.

How we do it.
We rely on membership annual dues, donations, and charitable grants to fund development and operations. Volunteers do much of the actual work and local contractors are hired in some instances. Materials, equipment, and services are many times donated or provided at a reduced rate in developing the trails. Each local area has a "division" of volunteers who work to plan and carry out projects in development and maintenance of trail in their area. As each division builds outward along the trail, the sections will connect into one trail. This method was borrowed from the volunteers who successfully developed the Wabash Trace Rail Trail in Iowa. This gives local communities a sense of connection.

How we are organized.
The KRTC has an elected board of directors with staggered terms. The board members act as Directors and Coordinators in their local volunteer division. The Divisions are organized within each county, with boundaries overlapping to dividing points such as highways, etc. The board is elected by the general membership at the annual meeting. The board then meets in various locations along the trails on a regular basis throughout the year. The president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary are elected rom the board at the annual meeting also.

What does it cost?
Nothing. It is free to use our trails and wildlife areas. There are many studies and surveys which have demonstrated the positve cost versus benefit of rail-trails to local communities, states, and our nation. A trail built by volunteers and donations, which is free to use, and brings visitors into a community where they spend money. We believe this to be what many would call a "no-brainer" when asked if it was a good idea.